After going bankrupt in 1953, Indian followed an odd path – including some time based out of England as a badge-sharing experiment with Royal Enfield. Between ’59 and ’61, even the top line Chief was brought back, based on an Enfield 700cc engine. For decades these bikes were considered a worthless low point in the Chief line, but as the …
1983 Honda CB1100F
Post-Listing Update: This CB1100F was pulled from eBay because “there was an error in the listing.” Built for just one year, the Honda CB1100F was a sleek looking standard that evolved from the 900F. In the process, it had tremendous performance – in January of ’83, Cycle World said it was the fastest stock bike they’ve ever tested.
1968 Rickman Metisse Triumph
4-11 Update: 7 months, 5 miles, and 1 seller later, this beautiful Rickman is back up for sale. I wonder why. It’s since moved from Chicago to Silver Spring, Maryland – find it here on eBay. 9-26 Update: This Rickman Metisse Triumph was pulled off eBay the first time, but is now back up for sale with bidding up to …
496 Miles – 1980 Honda CB750F Super Sport
Post Listing Update: despite 29 bids up to $5,100, this CB750F did not meet reserve. The Honda CB750F, also known as the Super Sport, was an evolution of the storied CB750 line. It gained some 80s styling to complement the 748cc dual overhead cam engine, a unit that produced 78 horsepower. The bike was capable of hitting about 125 miles …
Production Racer Rep – 1974 Norton Commando 850
Restored by Ken Armann, this Commando 850 was turned into a replica of the Production Racer – it was supposed to be a ‘museum piece that could be ridden’. The bodywork is claimed to be genuine Dunstall Production Racer, as are a few other pieces. Find this Norton Commando Production Racer Replica (VIN: 850F111624) for sale in Valencia, California with …
1968 BSA A50 Royal Star
A semi-popular export, the BSA A50 Royal Star was an evolution of the A50 Star, which was an example of BSA’s transition to full unit construction engines. The Royal Star had a 498cc twin that pushed 33 horsepower through a 4-speed transmission. For more on the Royal Star, check out this article from Motorcycle Classics.
1977 Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans
Post-Sale Update: After 40 bids on eBay, this Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans sold for $16,099. Arguably the successor to the V7 Sport, the Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans was named after the famous race in France. Guzzi took a modified version of the 850T engine and wrapped it in interesting styling that has led to it becoming a cult classic.
Replica of a Replica – 1974 John Player Norton Commando
The most collectible of the Commandos (in my humble opinion) was the John Player, a distinctive endurance-inspired Norton with unique bodywork surrounding a completely stock Mark 2A Commando. I’ve never cared for the dual headlights , but they caught they eyes of many fans who were obsessed with the hottest motorcycle racing competitions of the time – endurance races.
Macco Motors Spitfire 09 – 2002 Honda Nighthawk 750
Built by Macco Motors, this custom Honda Nighthawk 750 was turned into “Spitfire 09”.
1989 Honda GB500
Vintage looks without the hassle of owning a vintage bike. That’s the promise of bikes like the Honda GB500, and that’s why they’ve become a cult classic. Here’s an excellent example with flaws limited to a split in the left fork gaiter, a minor scratch on the underside of the muffler, and aftermarket rear turn signals, one of which is …
1974 Columbia MTD Mud Bug
A quirky, rare 3 wheeler, the “Mud Bug” was made by MTD, a company known more for producing lawn mowers. Powered by Briggs & Stratton motors varying between 5-8 horsepower, they were designed to be fun toys that could be transported in a station wagon, back when people actually bought station wagons.
1989 Kawasaki ZXR400
Never officially imported to the US, the Kawasaki ZXR400 was one of the more popular 400cc sport bikes that Japan and Europe got to enjoy. Here’s one that’s made it across the ocean as the seller brought it with him from Japan.
9 Miles – 2002 Suzuki GSX-R600M Telefonica Movistar
4-8-15 Update: Reader George G let me know that this GSX-R is back up for sale with 1 additional mile, much better pictures, and bidding up to $3,550 in Glendale, California here on eBay. Post-Sale Update: After a hefty 48 bids on eBay, this GSX-R600M sold for $3,600 on eBay. A limited edition released in 2002, the GSX-R600M was a …
In New Zealand – 1994 Bimota DB2J Junior
A baby brother to the DB2 (of which just 408 units were built), the Bimota DB2 Junior was nearly identical except for three major changes: a single front disc (dual discs were optional), a narrower rear wheel, and…a 400cc, 49 horsepower engine. The Junior was built solely for the Japanese market because that company had tax regulations that greatly favored …
1995 Moto Guzzi Sport 1100
Producer of big bikes with lovely, torquey V-Twin engines, Guzzi is best known for cruisers and standard bikes. But the Moto Guzzi Sport 1100 was a beautiful deviation from the norm.